Great Lake wolves have shown a recovery in numbers. Scientists, who consider the Great Lakes wolves’ territory to include nine states, have established populations of about 3,700 animals total in just three — Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Even so, a federal judge’s recent order restored legal protection to gray wolves in the western Great Lakes region. […]

Chew on this – The nutritional value of food has dropped as much as 50 percent from what it was a generation ago. Taking a bite into the ‘why?’ What’s in food is a reflection of what’s in soil, says soil scientist Paul Hepperly, PhD. former Research Director with the Rodale Institute. “If food nutrients […]

Governor Brown’s recently announced plan to have California derive 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020 has opened the door for bold ideas to help achieve this. Carl Weidert, a retired, self-employed biologist who lives in Shingletown, California, has spent years garnering interest in his idea of utilizing California’s canals as solar […]

Most of us know that there are pesticides in our produce. We may not want to think about it, but the face remains that growers, particularly the larger farming concerns, are quite liberally dousing what we eat with toxic chemicals. Each year the non-profit watchdog Environmental Working Group (EWG) publishes its list of the worst […]

There’s a steadily growing plethora of food certifications out there and it’s getting pretty confusing for consumers to make sense of them. And the label “natural” has become downright suspicious and meaningless. Among the confusion, there are labels we can trust out there, including Non-GMO Verified and perhaps Certified Humane. Now it seems there’s another […]

Gifts from the heart come in all shapes, sizes and wrappings. Those that give back hold a special place in my heart. Even though by the time you read this the gifts have probably been given, as today is Mother’s Day, there are still “gift” ideas that you – or she – may want to take advantage of. For those who’ve forgotten it\s mom’s special day, there’s still time to do something she’ll appreciate.

How do you find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for that special someone in your life?I’ve got some unique, eco-friendly suggestions. From surprise gifts to organic bodycare to gifts with a little spice, there’s something here that’s sure to please the most discriminating giftee.

Since the late 19th century, perfumes have enticed our senses. Yet even the most expensive perfumes are loaded with petrochemicals, many toxic to humans. A 1991 EPA study found many perfumes include potentially hazardous chemicals like acetone (used as a cleaning solvent), benzyl acetate (a solvent used in plastics), ethanol (grain alcohol), ethyl acetate (a solvent) and methylene chloride (a solvent).

The FDA says fragrances are responsible for 30 percent of all allergic reactions. Yet this hasn’t stopped the growth of this multi-billion dollar industry.

Auric Blends has a new line of all natrual perfumes

There’s a small but growing trend within the perfume industry – quality perfumes made with natural ingredients. Auric Blends, a Sonoma County company, has created four unique, handcrafted natural fragrances.

The company’s tag line – “the evolution of perfume” – says it all.

Our purpose is to bring an evolution to the perfume industry, says Danielle Letourneau, Auric Blends’ Sales and Marketing Director.

The company’s been making perfumes and incense since 1993. In 2007, they developed their natural line or roll-on perfumes. Since they’d always produced roll-on fragrances, it was a natural to do it with their natural line too.

Auric Blends is trying to change the industry.

Lots of essential oil manufacturers have put out natural perfumes, Letourneau said. But they smell like essential oils – “more like aromatherapy,” she said.

“We’re striving to make beautiful perfumes that women would love to wear”

Their four natural perfumes are made with natural ingredients including rare flowers, sweet fruits, clean citrus, and natural refined woods, with a base of jojoba and vitamin E oils.

There’s a story behind each fragrance’s name.

Tara (my favorite) is named for the Tibetan female embodiment of Buddha.

Layla is named for a character in a 12th century Persian love story.

Siren is named after the Sirens of Greek mythology.

Pele is named for the ancient fire goddess of the Hawaiian volcano who, mythology says, created the Hawaiian Islands.

Each perfume is a distinct blend of floral scents and plant-based ingredients.

Tara has some of the most highly prized essential oils on the market,” said Letourneau. Its complex blend of rose and jasmine absolutes also has fruity notes of pineapple and raspberry rounded out with a woody background of patchouli, orris root and sandalwood.

Layla’s floral scent is a mix of Moroccan and Bulgarian rose, jasmine and orange flower blossom, with touches of India in its sandalwood and vetiver notes, blended with a touch of clove.

Siren is a rich floral blend of fresh lemon oil and lemongrass, sage and thyme.

Pele, their unisex fragrance, is a spicy floral mixture of geranium and lavender with patchouly and vanilla.

Made with unfiltered natural ingredients, these perfumes have a naturally occurring sediment.

Essential oils change when exposed to natural light and oxygen, Letourneau said. “We recommend people keep them in a darker, cooler place to extend the shelf life,” which, she said, averages two to three years.

These compact perfumes come in attractive, eco-friendly packaging. Each lists the ingredients, not yet an industry standard.

First time orders of these natural perfumes qualify for a 15 percent discount with the code #RDD0310, with a minimum order of $21.00, at Auricblends.com until May 31st, 2010. For smaller orders phone 800 882-7247.

To satisfy consumer demand, manufacturers have created small, travel-size versions of our favorite products. At the same time, Americans throw away 2.5 million plastic bottles per hour! It’s an environmental scourge – harmful to wildlife, threatening our oceans and marine life, and scientists believe it will take hundreds of years to degrade.

Los Angeles-based Minimus recently introduced its Eco-Traveler Gift set, packed to the gills with an array of small-sized products. Yet almost everything in this gift box is eco-friendly – either reusable, recyclable, biodegradable or it uses paper made and certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.